Dawson Westenskow: An Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Operating System

This episode is a conversation with Dawson Westeknsow, a seasoned product leader in the outdoor industry who has held key roles at Thule, REI, and Oboz Footwear. Now working as a professional EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Implementer, Dawson shares the principles of EOS and how it can dramatically improve leadership, structure, and clarity for businesses—especially those in the outdoor industry.

Key Topics:

Dawson’s Journey into Outdoor Product Management From sales at a power tool company to leading product at REI and Oboz, Dawson’s entrepreneurial spirit found a home in product roles that mimicked running mini-businesses within larger organizations

Discovering EOS
Dawson was first exposed to EOS while working with a founder-led outdoor brand facing leadership dysfunction. The system helped untangle issues by introducing clarity, structure, and accountability.

What Is EOS?
EOS is a simple, proven framework to help business owners get what they want from their business by focusing on:
Vision – Clear goals and a roadmap to get there.
People – Right people in the right seats.
Data – Running the business on facts, not feelings.
Issues – Identifying and solving problems at their root.
Process – Systematizing key operations.
Traction – Ensuring day-to-day execution aligns with long-term goals.

Why EOS Works for Small Outdoor Brands
EOS helps create the kind of business where founders can finally take a vacation—because everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing and is actually doing it. It’s especially powerful for companies with fractional or remote teams.

Real Results
From smoother product launches to founders finally stepping out of the daily grind, Dawson shares stories of transformation that make a compelling case for EOS—even (or especially) for companies under 50 employees.

Links & Show Notes:
KORE Outdoors

The EOS Vision/Traction Organizer

Books mentioned:
Traction
What The Heck is EOS?

Connect with Dawson:
Dawson's website
Dawson on LinkedIn

Connect with Christian:
Christian's website
Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

#koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere